The packaging on the Eheim substrate and mech bb's and rolls says they can be cleaned and reused (understanding that a good fisherman replaces only a 1/3 each time...). So, how do you clean them? I've rinsed them off real good in tap water, and let them air dry, then store them for the next time I need them. Is this cleaning them enough? Thanks, helpful friends.

I'm not sure I totally understand your question. However, if you are asking about cleaning your media then you'd need to be careful with biological filtration. You certainly don't want to be washing it out in tap water. Tap water contains chlorine which will completely destroy your biological filter, i.e. it will kill the bacteria. If you're using a canister filter that contains various trays containing the media, the easiest way to clean this type of media is to take the trays out of the filter and submerge them in a bucket of the existing tank water, if you swirl it around then most of the debris will be washed out of the trays. If they are particularly dirty you can always tip the media out into a colander and submerge this in existing tank water.. Don't go completely mad washing biological media, just remove the worst of the crap but don't think you have to do clean it so it's spotless.

On the other hand, mechanical media which normally consists of filter pads can be given a really good clean because they often get completely saturated with crap so you will need to give it a very good clean, there is nothing wrong with washing this type of media out underneath a running tap, this is often the best way of cleaning them. Yes, this media will contain beneficial bacteria so if you want to do your best to save all of your bacteria than wash them out in a pocket of existing tank water as well.

You really don't want to be changing your biological media on a regular basis. The biological media contains all the bacteria so if you remove it, you are actually reducing the efficiency of your filter system which in turn could lead to you running into water quality problems. Most biological media will last quite a few years, it certainly has in my case anyway.

If you want to take some of your biological media out of the filter and put it in storage then you can just let it dry out and store it safely, or if it is dirty, give it a good clean, there isn't really any need to be careful about saving bacteria if you are going to let it dry out anyway.

I clean mine in tank water. you said you washed yours in tap water, you may want to give them a soak in de-chlorineater
like stress coat or prime before they go into the filter to get rid of any chlorine that may still be on them.

wait here I feel an expert is on the way.

Zoo

told ya the boss has got ya.

Zoo

Sorry, I'm never specific enough.

--I'm referring to cleaning the ceramic balls and cylinders in the cannister trays, (not the substrate sand, not the pads).
--I have well-water, so no chlorine to worry about.
--The Eheim and Rena manuals (I have both) are suggesting removing 1/3 [not all!] of these balls and cylinders every month or so, and replacing them with new, and "cleaning and then reusing" the old ones. So I'm simply rinsing them in my RO great well water, and letting them air dry, to be rotated later. I'm assuming from the responses that that's enough. Great!
--The manuals are rather specific about not letting the balls and cylinders build up too much for too long. The stars can remain in for years, but the others need to be gradually removed, cleaned, and then reused over and over. Do you think this is so? How long could they be reused? Thanks all.

not sure why the manuel tells ya to remove 1/3 of your biological media. Everyone i know never removes any of them.

Capt Dave wrote:


so they can sell you more......



i have had the same biomax in my filter for years now. all i do is clean them in tank water and put them back into my filter. i have yet to have a problem with my water in any of my tanks so from my experience i would say save your money and just reuse the bio you have.......

I have read the same thing in my Eheim manual, and after learning from the board here - I'm convinced they just say that to try and get you to buy more media :angry:

I have the sintered glass balls too (Ehfisubstrat Pro); and I just do a quick rinse in tank water once a month - no scrubbing or deep cleaning necessary. With proper care, there isn't any reason this media shouldn't last for years and years.....